Table Talk: Wherever We Go - Week 5
WHEREVER WE GO
Summer gives us fresh rhythms, fresh spaces, and fresh opportunities to live with purpose. We travel, host, gather with family, spend time outdoors, and rest. And wherever we go, we go as a people formed by Jesus and sent with purpose. This series will help us practice a rooted life with God while paying attention to God at work in the people and places around us. Through simple practices like presence, prayer, hospitality, and love of neighbor, we learn to pay attention to God, receive his grace, and carry his love into our homes, neighborhoods, city, and world.
Spiritual Practice: PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
We believe that Jesus’ teaching is more than just knowledge for our minds (though it certainly includes that). It should transform us from within that flows outward into our actions. By practicing the ways of Jesus, we are being shaped into a people who look more and more like Him.
The Bible teaches that God is with us wherever we go. In Psalm 139:7-8, David meditates on God’s continual nearness this way: “Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in [the depths], you are there.” In his book Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, famous Christian author C. S. Lewis says it like this: “We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” Yet, it can be hard for us to remember this throughout our busy days.
It takes intentional practice to stay aware of God’s presence in our daily lives. One 17th century French monk named Brother Lawrence was particularly attuned to God’s nearness. He carried on a continual “silent and secret” conversation with the Lord while he worked in the monastery kitchen preparing meals. When Brother Lawrence noticed that he was agitated or frustrated, he directed his attention back to his conversation with God. He grew more and more aware that God was with Him in all of his daily tasks, and this grew his relationship with the Lord. It also gave him great peace. We can learn from Brother Lawrence by building intentional pauses into our days, acknowledging that God is near to us no matter where we are or what we are doing.
Here are some first steps to begin “practicing the presence of God”:
When you wake up, before rolling out of bed, offer yourself to God for the day ahead and ask Him to make you aware of His nearness. Throughout the day, ask yourself if you are still living your intention to be aware of God’s presence with you. Do not be discouraged when you stray from your intention; simply begin again. God loves for you to turn your heart back toward Him! (Reflect: At bedtime, reflect on the day. When were you most attuned to God’s presence? When were you least aware of His nearness? Thank the Lord for being with you throughout the day.)
Dedicate a task you are doing to the Lord (making a phone call, caring for children, working with your hands, etc.). Talk to Him about the task before you begin and again when you are done. (Reflect: Did you become any more aware of God in the process? How?)
Throughout your day, whenever you are interrupted, tell God “I am here.” Remind yourself that you are in the presence of Jesus, who had time for people who questioned and interrupted. Remember that some of Jesus’ most gracious miracles occurred when he was interrupted. (Reflect: What is it like for you to offer yourself to be present to God during interruptions?)
- These spiritual exercises are borrowed from Adele Calhoun’s Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.
Engaging with the Text
Read the listed passage individually or as a group. Use the questions below to explore the passage together. The conversation starters are typically application questions that can be used to further your discussion during mealtimes or other connection points throughout the week.
What stands out to you in this passage? (a word, phrase, image, or idea that caught your attention)
What does this passage reveal about God? (His character, heart, actions, or promises)
What questions does this passage raise for you? (anything confusing, challenging, or unresolved)
What response does this passage invite from us? (a way of seeing, trusting, living, or hoping differently)
Prayer
Father God, you are with us wherever we go! We are so grateful for how you form us and shape us through everyday life, and we acknowledge that this blessing is not only for our benefit but also for the people and places around us. Through the power of Your Spirit, help us to live as beacons of light, drawing others near and helping them to experience Your goodness and grace. Open our eyes to see the many opportunities we have to share Your love with our neighbors, family, friends, and strangers. Thank you for helping us grow in love and participate together in Your work.
Amen.
SERMON SUMMARY: Hospitality is one way grace moves through ordinary people. Peter calls the church to love deeply, offer hospitality without complaining, and use whatever gifts they have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Hospitality is not just about having people over or making everything impressive. It is the simple practice of opening what we have received so others can experience the welcome, care, and grace of God. This week invites us to see meals, homes, porches, parks, pools, and everyday conversations as places where love becomes visible and grace becomes tangible.
Passage: 1 Peter 4:8-11
Conversation Starters
Kids
When have you felt especially welcome somewhere? What made it feel that way?
If someone new came to your home, church, or neighborhood, what could you do to make them feel like they belong?
What is one simple thing you can do this week to help someone experience God's love?
Students
Is hospitality only something adults do? Why or why not? What might keep people your age from reaching out to others? How can those obstacles be overcome (with the help of the Holy Spirit)?
Read through 1 Peter 4:8–11. Which command in this passage feels most challenging? Why? Why do you think Peter says to practice hospitality "without grumbling"?
What "gift" has God given you that could bless someone else? What is one simple thing you can do this week to help someone you don’t know very well experience God's love?
Adults
What usually comes to mind when you hear the word hospitality? When have you experienced genuine hospitality? Was that experience memorable? Why or why not?
Do you think people are more likely to experience God's love through big events or through everyday relationships? Why?
Read through 1 Peter 4:8–11. Peter begins with "love one another deeply." How do the other commands flow out of deep love? Does this passage expand or reshape your understanding of hospitality? If so, how?
What resources has God entrusted to you (home, table, schedule, skills, hobbies, neighborhood, workplace, finances, encouragement, listening, etc.) that could become channels of grace? What ordinary rhythms in your week could become opportunities for welcome—a meal, coffee, a walk, your porch, your child's activities, a neighborhood gathering? What is one specific step you could take this week to practice the kind of hospitality Peter describes?
